STAFF from Cheshire East Council have received awards for their support to children who are educated out of school.

The Kit awards, presented by the charity Education Otherwise, are based on nominations from families who home educate their children.

They recognise and celebrate education officers who enjoy good relationships with home educating families in their area and whose support is positive, legal and well informed.

Elective home education advisors Gail Isherwood and Alison Higginbottom received the award.

Education Otherwise is a charity which provides support and information for families whose children are being educated outside school.

Across Cheshire East there are currently more than 500 pupils who are educated at home.

These numbers are rising due to anxieties around Covid.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “Our priority is to work together with families to ensure children and young people have an enjoyable education that supports them to achieve their full potential.

“I am delighted to hear that our education team has been presented with their very first Kit awards for excellence.

“I’d like to thank all the families who have played their part by sharing their many experiences and supporting this quality mark award.

"These awards demonstrate our progress in developing relationships with parents within the electively home educated community.”